Essential: the sunset seen from La Caleta, the local bars and fish, and hanging out on the terraces overlooking the cityThe weather:

Surrealism and humour can be found on each and every corner of Cadiz, but you do need to tune your ears and get with the rhythm. Keep your eyes wide open so none of the small details pass you by. Our first recommendation: take a stroll through the neighbourhoods of Santa María, la Viña, el Pópulo, and pass through Campo del Sur as the waves break against the rocks. Take a little Peak at the interior of the Teatro Falla (Plaza del Falla, s/n) as well as the exterior of the ruins of the Teatro Romano (Campo del Sur, s/n). Try to get to know the old town, before taking a break around the old balneario at la Caleta (spa). With a little luck, the light and a calm sea will provide you with a radiant scene. Keep going until you reach the Castles of San Sebastián and Santa Catalina. You must not miss a stop at the bar of the Restaurante El Faro (C/ San Félix, 15, 902211068) at lunchtime to try some local tapas and fresh fish.

However there are some more subtle monuments on offer: the Torre Tavira (Marqués del Real Tesoro, 10, torretavira.com) is an emblematic watchtower with a camara oscura for contemplating the city from a 360º birds eye view. Try to stop by the ancient Entrance to the city Puerta Tierra to immerse yourself in local history. Walk along the paseo de callejuelas in the centre of town, and take a quick rest in the Mina Plaza. If you are interested in Phoenician history make a visit to the Museo de Cádiz (956203368, juntadeandalucia.es) while you’re there.

Other unmissable plazas include: San Antonio, San Juan de Dios, Plaza de España… and the one in front of the Cathedral (Pza de la Catedral, s/n), built on the ruins of the ancient gothic cathedral, and finished in 1838. If you’re still got any energy left at the end of the day, have a drink at the Café Teatro Pay Pay (C/ Silencio, 1, 956252543, cafeteatropaypay.com).

Transport

Green zones

Parque Genovés
Between the Paseo de Santa Bárbara and the Avenue Doctor Gómez Ulla there are several species of trees which grow Racing the Atlantic Ocean

Wireless

Playa de la Victoria
Open access
956241015

Plaza del Palillero
Open access
956241015

Plaza de Mina
Open access
956241015

Escapes

During the rest of the year there are countless opportunities for short breaks. The Roche cliffs, Fontanilla Beach in Conil (30-35 minutes), the nudist beaches in Palmar, Vejer (45 minutes away) and the Trafalgar lighthouse in Barbate (50-60 minutes away) are all close by. All have white sands, extensive beaches and clean water.

Continuing south along the national motorway 340 you reach the National Park of the Straits, the winding cove at Bolonia and Los Lances beach in Tarifa, a stopping point on your way to Africa. If you leave Cadiz early you can catch one of the first morning ferries and arrive in Morocco by midday. Try and leave yourself at least two or three nights. You won't regret it!